yong ju lee's louvered fire station in korea suggests new identity for public buildings

the preceding fire station in myeonmok area, south korea could not handle the fire-service demand efficiently with its old facilities. yong ju lee’s fire station improves the working condition and provides locals the sense of firefighting safety by unique architectural symbol. its program layout for short circulation and open offices increases work efficiency and firefighters’ mobilization for emergency response. the distinct elevation image will suggest a new identity for fire stations as public buildings.

all images © kyungsub shin

located in a residential area along large apartment complexes, south korean based practice yong ju lee architecture‘s ‘myeonmok fire station’ faces a six-lane road in the front and a retaining wall at the back from the jungnang stream. the garage for three fire vehicles and the main office with an abundance of windows are positioned in a row directly facing the main road. it helps effective civil service and enhances an active attitude as an essential public infrastructure.

the distinct elevation image will suggest a new identity for fire stations as public buildings

the architecture program on the upper floors are nearby vertical circulation and most bedrooms are set at the back of the building for more intimacy. the louvers seen from the elevation view symbolize the quick mobilization of fire trucks. the gradient pattern generated combined by two louver types with different depth — 100 mm and 200 mm — is employed to maximize this concept. this skin can provide a functional advantage blocking the direct sunlight, but gaining enough lighting and openness as well as a conceptual idea.

the gradient pattern is generated combining two louver types with different depth

the windows, with or without covered louvers based on inner programs, give depth and variation from an elevation viewpoint. while most fire stations stand out visually in the urban context to symbolize their red-colored identity and bold signage, yong ju lee architecture’s newly ‘myeonmok fire station’ tries to deal with it by the building itself.

windows through louvers

the louvers seen from the elevation view symbolize the quick mobilization of fire trucks

exterior view of the garage entrance

the garage for three fire vehicles is positioned in a row directly facing the main road

the gradient pattern seen at night

perspective view of the fire station in the myeonmok area

ground floor plan

elevation diagram for louvers

section

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom